Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving preoperative instructions asks questions repeatedly about when to stop eating the night before the procedure. The nurse tries to refocus the client. The nurse notes that the client is frequently startled by noises in the hall. Assessment reveals rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. The client admits to feeling nervous and having trouble sleeping. Based on the assessment, the nurse documents that the client has:

• A. mild anxiety.
• B. moderate anxiety.
• C. severe anxiety.
• D. a panic attack.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'severe anxiety.' In severe anxiety, a person focuses on small or scattered details and is unable to solve problems. The client's symptoms of rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, feeling nervous, and having trouble sleeping indicate severe anxiety. Mild anxiety enhances the ability to learn and solve problems, while moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field but allows the client to notice things brought to their attention. During a panic attack, a person is disorganized, hyperactive, or unable to speak or act, which is not the case in this scenario.

2. The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:

• A. administer both medications simultaneously.
• B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
• C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
• D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.

3. When questioning an elder about suspected abuse, how should the nurse keep the questions?

• A. Nonjudgmental.
• B. Probing.
• C. Confrontational.
• D. Indirect.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When questioning an elder about suspected abuse, the nurse should keep the questions nonjudgmental. This approach helps the elder feel safe and more willing to share information. Probing questions might be perceived as invasive, confrontational questions can lead to defensiveness and denial, and indirect questions may not elicit the necessary information, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation.

4. The nurse suspects an elderly client has been the victim of abuse. The client denies abuse and declines assistance. The nurse's next action should be to:

• A. respect the client's decision to refuse assistance.
• B. report the incident to the authorities.
• C. arrange an appointment with the client's family.
• D. educate the client about available services.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where elderly clients deny abuse and refuse assistance, it is crucial for the nurse to respect their autonomy while also ensuring their safety. Educating the client about available services is the appropriate action as it empowers the client with information without imposing any decisions on them. It allows the client to make informed choices regarding their well-being. Reporting the incident to the authorities (Choice B) may be necessary if there is immediate danger, but in this scenario, the client denies abuse. Arranging an appointment with the client's family (Choice C) may not be appropriate without the client's consent or in cases where the family might be involved in the abuse. Simply doing nothing (Choice A) is not the best course of action as the nurse should still provide support and resources to the client.

5. A 5-year-old is admitted to the unit following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following would indicate a complication of the surgery?

• A. Decreased appetite
• B. A low-grade fever
• C. Chest congestion
• D. Constant swallowing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A complication of a tonsillectomy is bleeding, and constant swallowing may indicate bleeding. Decreased appetite is expected after a tonsillectomy, as is a low-grade fever; thus, answers A and B are incorrect. Chest congestion, as mentioned in answer C, is not typical of tonsillectomy complications, making it an incorrect choice.

Similar Questions